History of Saquon Barkley in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

Saquon Barkley is a prominent American professional football player who currently serves as a running back in the NFL. After a highly decorated collegiate career at Penn State, where he won multiple major awards, he was selected second overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. Renowned for his exceptional agility, strength, and versatility, Barkley quickly established himself as a dynamic dual-threat playmaker, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his resilience, notably overcoming significant injuries to remain one of the league's most impactful offensive weapons. In 2024, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, continuing his tenure as an elite talent in the NFL. Beyond his on-field performance, Barkley is widely regarded as a significant cultural figure in modern professional football, celebrated for his athleticism and work ethic.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1970: John Fuqua's historical rushing performance

In 1970, John Fuqua set a historical benchmark by rushing for two 50-plus yard touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in a single season, a record that stood until Saquon Barkley matched the feat in 2018.

1980: Start of Matt Millen's NFL Career

In 1980, Matt Millen began his professional football career in the NFL, which lasted until 1991.

1991: Conclusion of Matt Millen's NFL Career

Matt Millen concluded his professional NFL career in 1991 after having played for multiple teams since 1980.

1995: Ki-Jana Carter Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

In 1995, Ki-Jana Carter, a running back from Penn State, was selected first overall in the NFL Draft, an achievement later discussed in the context of Saquon Barkley's own draft prospects.

February 9, 1997: Birth of Saquon Barkley

On February 9, 1997, Saquon Rasul Quevis Barkley was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future American professional football running back.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Relocation to Bethlehem

In 2001, Saquon Barkley and his family relocated to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, within the Lehigh Valley region, seeking a safer, suburban living environment.

2003: Start of Dan Koppen's NFL Career

Dan Koppen commenced his professional football career in the NFL in 2003, continuing until 2013.

2005: Relocation to Coplay

After a previous move to Allentown, Saquon Barkley's family settled in Coplay, Pennsylvania, in 2005.

2006: Reggie Bush Draft Comparison

In 2006, Reggie Bush was the last running back selected as highly as Saquon Barkley was projected to be in the 2018 draft cycle.

2013: Conclusion of Dan Koppen's NFL Career

Dan Koppen ended his professional NFL career in 2013 after participating in the league since 2003.

2014: Mr. Pennsylvania Football Award

In 2014, Saquon Barkley was recognized as a co-winner of the Mr. Pennsylvania Football award, honoring him as the top high school football player in the state within the AAA/AAAA divisions.

October 17, 2015: Breakout Performance against Ohio State

On October 17, 2015, Saquon Barkley made a significant impact in his return to the field against the top-ranked Ohio State team, recording 194 rushing yards across 26 carries.

2015: Senior Year Track and Field Success

During his senior year at Whitehall High School in 2015, Saquon Barkley achieved significant track and field accomplishments, including winning Eastern Pennsylvania Conference gold medals in the 100-meter dash and long jump, setting a school record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.90 seconds at the PIAA District 11 meet, and establishing personal bests in both shot put and high jump.

2015: Freshman Season Debut at Penn State

In 2015, Saquon Barkley began his true freshman season at Penn State, quickly securing playing time. He demonstrated early potential by rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo in his second game, followed by a standout performance of 195 yards and two touchdowns against Rutgers in his third game, though he later missed two games in October due to an injury.

November 1, 2016: Maxwell Award Semi-finalist

On November 1, 2016, Saquon Barkley was recognized as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Maxwell Award, which honors the most outstanding collegiate football player in the nation.

December 3, 2016: 2016 Big Ten Championship Victory

On December 3, 2016, Saquon Barkley played a pivotal role in Penn State's comeback win against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. He recorded 83 rushing yards on 19 carries, scored a rushing touchdown, and added a receiving touchdown to help overcome a 21-point deficit and secure a 38-31 victory.

2016: 2016 Penn State Sophomore Campaign

During the 2016 college football season, Saquon Barkley demonstrated significant offensive capability as a sophomore, including a 105-yard performance against Kent State, a five-touchdown effort in a comeback attempt against Pitt, and a game-winning overtime touchdown run against Minnesota.

2017: Record-Breaking Performance Against Iowa

During the 2017 Big Ten opener, Saquon Barkley led Penn State to a 21-19 victory over Iowa by accumulating a school-record 358 all-purpose yards, consisting of 211 rushing yards, 94 receiving yards, and 53 kick return yards, earning him the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor.

2017: Outstanding Performance in 2017 Season Opener

During the first game of the 2017 season against Akron, Saquon Barkley demonstrated exceptional athleticism by rushing for 172 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, including an 80-yard run, while also contributing 54 receiving yards, which led to him being named co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

2017: 2017 Collegiate Career Achievements

In 2017, Saquon Barkley earned significant national and conference recognition, placing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and third for the Maxwell Award. During his three-year tenure at Penn State concluding in 2017, he established several program records, including most career all-purpose yards (5,538), most career rushing touchdowns (43), and most career receiving yards by a running back (1,157).

2017: Performance at the 2017 Rose Bowl

On January 2, 2017, during the Rose Bowl game, Saquon Barkley delivered a standout performance for Penn State, rushing for 194 yards on 25 carries and scoring three touchdowns, including a significant 79-yard run, despite Penn State's narrow 52-49 loss to USC.

December 31, 2017: Declaration for the 2018 NFL Draft

On December 31, 2017, Saquon Barkley announced his decision to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility at Penn State to enter the 2018 NFL draft following a successful victory in the Fiesta Bowl.

February 2018: Rising NFL Draft Stock

In February 2018, Saquon Barkley's draft stock climbed significantly, with mock drafts projecting him as high as the second overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

July 22, 2018: Signing of rookie contract with the New York Giants

On July 22, 2018, Saquon Barkley officially signed his first professional NFL contract, a four-year rookie deal with the New York Giants valued at $31.2 million, all of which was fully guaranteed.

2018: Transition to Professional Football

During the year 2018, Saquon Barkley officially transitioned to the professional level by participating in the NFL draft process, following his decision made at the end of 2017.

2018: 2018 NFL Draft and Rookie Success

In 2018, Saquon Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants. During this year, he set multiple NFL and team records, earned a spot in the Pro Bowl, and received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

2019: Selection to 2019 Pro Bowl

In 2019, Saquon Barkley was elected to the Pro Bowl following a standout rookie season, where he contributed to the NFC victory in the Skills Showdown.

2020: 2020 Season Injury Challenges

During the 2020 season, Saquon Barkley faced significant physical setbacks and dealt with injuries that impacted his gameplay.

September 10, 2021: Jersey Number Retirement at Whitehall High School

On September 10, 2021, Whitehall High School honored Saquon Barkley by officially retiring his jersey number 21.

2022: 2022 Pro Bowl Selection

Following his recovery from previous seasons, Saquon Barkley was recognized for his performance and named to the Pro Bowl in 2022.

2023: 2023 Free Agency and Transition to Philadelphia

After the 2023 season concluded, Saquon Barkley entered free agency and signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a major transition in his career.